What made Seattle TE John Carlson's banner rookie campaign particularly impressive was how quickly he was able to grasp an offensive scheme designed by outgoing head coach Mike Holmgren that was considered to have arguably one of the league's steepest learning curves for tight ends.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Seahawks sacrificed a third-round pick in order to move up in the second round of the '08 draft to select the 6-5, 251-pounder out of Notre Dame. But it turned out to be one of the best moves anybody made in the '08 draft.

Carlson went on to lead the Seahawks in receptions (55), receiving yards (627) and touchdowns (five). Although that accomplishment was no doubt influenced by a rash of serious injuries to his fellow receivers that began in training camp and never let up, it was a very impressive feat nonetheless.

Even more impressive was the fact Carlson managed to set franchise records for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end and tie the mark for TD catches.

Don't look now, but Carlson's fantasy numbers could get even better in his second season in a revamped offense under new coordinator Greg Knapp, whose systems have always been well-suited to tight ends.

"John could really be something in this offense," Seahawks TE coach Mike DeBord said. "Greg highlights the tight ends; that's part of his offense."

Just ask Alge Crumpler, who averaged 56 catches for 810 yards and six touchdowns in his three years under Knapp in Atlanta, each of which ended with a trip to Honolulu.

Or Zach Miller, who averaged 50-611-2 under Knapp in Oakland the past two seasons.

"I'm very excited about using him," Knapp said of Carlson, who is fast enough to beat man coverage and has hands that are so soft, you can hardly hear the ball when he catches it.

"I fortunately have been around some good tight ends during my coaching career. ... He brings those same kinds of attributes as a pass-catching tight end to our offense. So you can kind of game-plan and maybe not always line him up in the traditional tight end spot.

"You can move him around."

Knapp has already had lots of fun tinkering with his new chess pieces this offseason, recognizing the potential potency of a passing attack featuring Carlson and newcomer T.J. Houshmandzadeh inside and the Seahawks' "Killer B" receivers (Deion Branch, Nate Burleson and promising rookie Deon Butler) outside.

He has lined Carlson up in the backfield, brought him in motion and split him out wide.

"They're asking a lot more of him this year than they did last year," said Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck, who couldn't be looking more forward to hooking up with Carlson on a more regular basis after playing hurt much of last season.

Mature beyond his years, the hardworking Carlson couldn't be a more inviting target. One of his best qualities is the way he uses his body, which he has strengthened in the weight room, to shield defenders — a skill he learned as the son of a high-school basketball coach.

Carlson also has great receiving instincts and a great ability to adjust to the ball when it's in the air. His added strength is expected to improve his run blocking, which should help keep him on the field in more of an every-down TE mold.

"John looks like he's going to be pretty special," Seahawks head coach Jim Mora said. "He's serious about being a great player.

"It's fun to watch him develop."

It also could be fun having him as a rock-solid first-stringer on your fantasy team.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com